The Dodgers Are In Big Trouble

Clayton Kershaw suffered a setback and there is no timetable for his return. Out since June 26. Had the simulated game, and now they’re shutting him down.

And there’s no timetable? Question is, is he back to square one? Tough to say because Dave Roberts wasn’t saying if it’s as bad as it was when he went to the dl originally or if it’s even worse. Either way, this doesn’t sound like days, it sounds like weeks.

Just do the math. The simulated game came 20 days after his last major league outing, so if they’re shutting him down, can we assume he’ll need another 3 weeks before he gives it another go? If so, that’s another three weeks before another simulated game; then go ahead and tack on even more time before an actual major league start.

And while he is far and away their most important arm he’s not the only pitcher they have who’s hanging. Far from it. And while they’ve hung in pretty well without him, they’re not going anywhere without their ace and MVP. They may be a wildcard team today, but if they have to go any extended period of time without this guy, they are not a playoff team.

They’re going to need another arm or more. We’re talking about one of the most important players in the history of one of the sport’s most storied franchises. And we’re talking about a back issue. Because that’s not very scary to the Dodgers.

He’s 11-2 with a 1.79 era and a 16-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio. In other words, every time he takes the bump, he’s a certainty. And now Roberts is saying his situation is “uncertain.”